Small Talk brings the material of textbooks to life with 41 living trees

Bonsai—often described as a conversation between a person and a tree—is about understanding nature’s subtle language. Because trees communicate nonverbally, caring for a bonsai requires patient observation and horticultural understanding. But what if a bonsai could tell you exactly what it needs? What if these miniature trees could answer all your questions about their care, growth, and life? What if you could ask a bonsai a question and actually get a reply?

Chat with a bonsai and ask them all your questions! Through anime-inspired illustrations of miniature trees, emojis, and lighthearted, text-like exchanges, the exhibition bridges the gap between textbook STEM education and real-world fun. From “Thirst Alerts” to “Sunlight Status Updates” and “Pruning Notifications,” Small Talk answers common, botanically-oriented questions about bonsai in the format of a chat. This exhibition will include interactive stations, where you can try your hand at bonsai wiring and sift through the bonsai’s special soil. The exhibition area will also be punctuated with several vividly-colored, graphic, painted murals by local artist Judy Chia Hui Hsu.

Small Talk offers something different for families that is fun, educational, and gets kids out into nature. But this is something that the whole family can enjoy and learn from. Anyone who comes to visit these amazing trees and takes time to understand a little about their needs will get something out of a visit.

Encourage learning with our Small Talk Exhibition Guide.

WHEN: Exhibit begins Saturday, May 11, 2024 and runs through Sunday, November 2, 2025.

WHERE: The Pacific Bonsai Museum is located on the campus of the former Weyerhaeuser headquarters at 2515 S 336th Street, Federal Way, WA 98001. Visitors are advised to search ‘Pacific Bonsai Museum’ in google maps or on their GPS-enabled devices to navigate to the Museum and should enter Weyerhaeuser Road from the West entry from Weyerhaeuser Way South.

PARKING: FREE parking is available across from the Museum at the Garden Parking Lot; wheelchair-accessible parking and passenger drop-off/pick-up is available at the Museum entrance.

COST: Admission is FREE. There is a $12 suggested donation for those who are able to support the Museum.

HOURS: Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Museum is closed every Monday as well as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

CONTACT: The public can call the Museum at (253) 353-7345 or email info@pacificbonsaimuseum.org.